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NORWALK, Conn. -- Norwalk residents and visitors are encouraged to think, act and shop local this weekend by supporting local businesses on Shop Small Saturday.

Shop Small Saturday will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25, and is meant to recognize small businesses and the contributions they make to the community by creating jobs, preserving neighborhoods and boosting the local economy.

Mayor Harry Rilling said that Shop Small Saturday "is the day to support Norwalk's unique and eclectic boutiques, our entrepreneurs and our mom and pop corner shops. Save some of your gift shopping for your local shops - make it an event and to help show the love for our small businesses."

The Norwalk Parking Authority will support Shop Small Saturday by providing free on-street two-hour parking throughout the day, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Parking is the first and last experience people have," said Dick Brescia, Chairman of the Norwalk Parking Authority. "We want to help people to find parking easily, get out of their cars, walk around and shop in Norwalk’s amazing downtowns. We are happy to partner with Mayor Rilling on Small Business Saturday.”

Many of Norwalk's small businesses are working to help make Shop Small Saturday a special event in the city by promoting their wares and goods to the community, offering specials, and inviting everyone to come out to celebrate and help kick off the holiday season together.

“Norwalk has so many small businesses who count on their neighbors in the community," Rilling said. "If everyone made an attempt to shop locally for some or all of their gifts and holiday decorating then local shops and neighborhoods would thrive. Everyone has a part to play in keeping our local shops vibrant and by shopping small, we support our own economy.”

Norwalk shop owners may contact Elizabeth Stocker in the Economic Development office by Wednesday morning to pick up Shop Small canvas bags and other items to share with their customers.